Darren Weir narrowly missed the major prize but Tuscan Sling capped a big day for the trainer when she claimed the Group III Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Tuscan Sling gave trainer Darren Weir his fourth win for the day at Caulfield. Photo: Darryl Sherer
Lucky Hussler went down by three-quarters of a length to Suavito in the Group I CF Orr Stakes after enduring a chequered passage in the $500,000 feature while Tuscan Sling gave the trainer his fourth winner of the meeting.
Weir prepared the other three legs of the Caulfield quaddie with Mahuta and durable galloper Burning Front claiming the Group II Autumn Classic (1400m) and Group III TS Carlyon Cup (1600m).
Falago won the opening race of the day for the Melbourne trainers’ premiership leader.
Brad Rawiller was aboard Mahuta, Burning Front and Tuscan Sling while apprentice Harry Coffey steered Falago to his win in the bigscreencompany.com.au Handicap (1800m).
Weir said Tuscan Sling has developed significantly this season, which has put the mare in line for a 1400m test for her next assignment.
“She’s starting to do things better,” Weir said.
“She’s been a terrible horse to train, manners-wise. She’s starting to get better at getting into the barriers and starting put it together now.
“I’m really keen to see her over 1400m where she can control the race or even lead and get that toughness late. I think she’ll run out a strong seven furlongs for sure.”
Weir said the Group III Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in a fortnight would be Tuscan Sling’s next assignment.
Weir’s winning quartet took his Melbourne tally to 57 victories for the season, 11 more than the second-placed David Hayes and Tom Dabernig stable.